aggravate crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "aggravate" in your crossword puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you solve your puzzle.
Solutions for "aggravate crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ANNOY: To bother or irritate someone, fitting perfectly for 'aggravate' in a personal sense.
6 Letters
WORSEN: To make a bad situation even more severe, a direct synonym for 'aggravate' when referring to conditions or problems.
10 Letters
EXACERBATE: To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse. A more formal and precise synonym for 'aggravate'.
More About "aggravate crossword clue"
The clue "aggravate" can appear in various forms in crosswords, often pointing towards a verb that means to make something worse or to irritate. It's a versatile word that can refer to intensifying a physical condition, a negative feeling, or a troublesome situation. Recognizing this dual meaning – to make something worse, or to provoke/irritate – is key to finding the correct answer.
Common synonyms like 'annoy', 'worsen', and 'exacerbate' are frequently used as solutions, but context and letter count are crucial. Sometimes, the clue might imply a more subtle form of irritation, while at other times it explicitly refers to a deterioration of a state. Always consider the precise meaning implied by the puzzle's setter.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Think Synonyms: When you see a clue like "aggravate," immediately brainstorm a range of synonyms. Words like 'irritate', 'annoy', 'worsen', 'heighten', 'inflame', or 'exacerbate' are strong contenders.
- Check Letter Count: This is your most powerful tool. Once you have potential answers, eliminate those that don't match the required number of letters.
- Consider Nuance: Does the clue imply making a problem worse (e.g., a cough, a debt) or bothering a person? This can narrow down your choices between words like 'worsen' and 'annoy'.
- Utilize Crossing Letters: If you have a few letters filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or deny your potential answers. This is often the quickest way to solve a tricky clue.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'aggravate' mean in the context of crosswords?
In crosswords, 'aggravate' typically means to make something worse, more severe, or to irritate/annoy. Common answers include synonyms like ANNOY, WORSEN, EXACERBATE, or sometimes VEX and IRK, depending on the letter count.
How can I distinguish between 'aggravate' and 'annoy' clues?
While 'annoy' is a common answer for 'aggravate', the nuance often depends on the surrounding words in the clue or the puzzle's theme. 'Aggravate' can imply making a situation worse (e.g., 'aggravate a wound'), while 'annoy' primarily means to irritate a person. Always check the letter count and other crossing letters for confirmation.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes related to 'aggravate' in crossword answers?
Not typically specific prefixes or suffixes directly related to 'aggravate' itself. However, answers might involve words like 'RE-IRRITATE' or phrases that imply repetition or intensification. Focus on core synonyms and their verb forms.